Marie Croft Neel

Marie Anne Croft Neel, born January 15th, 1941, as the first daughter of the Reverend Nathaniel Chafee Croft and Jeanette McDaniel Croft, Marie went peacefully to join her mother, father, and her sister, on Tuesday, November 15th, 2022.

A member of the choir in her father’s church, and a graduate of the William Robinson school and Academy of Richmond County, Marie was enchanted from birth with an indominable spirit; one that was made up, in nearly equal parts of joy, pride, mischief, tradition, delight, loyalty, and love. Forever social and unfailingly positive, Marie’s friendships spanned decades, her insistence on tradition and ceremony was legendary, her zest for a good story or a great adventure was unquenchable. This spirit, to those who knew her best, could be instantly recognized as an ever-present twinkle in her eye. Those who she just met or who didn’t know her as well, would be left with no doubt of her royal spirit as they were summarily schooled in the proper pronunciation of her name.

She married on May 12th, 1960 and is survived by her husband Lee Neel, III and her three children, Charles McGavock Neel (April) of Augusta, Anne Croft Neel Jones (Tom) of St. Simons Island, GA, and Lee Neel, IV, of Augusta, as well as four grandchildren, Russell Nash King, Branch McGavock King, Anna Croft Jones, and Mary McGavock Neel. After pledging ΑΔπ (Alpha Delta Pi) sorority at the University of Georgia, Marie was a member of the Augusta Junior League, The Augusta Country Club, The Heritage Club, Bulbs & Borders Garden Club, Historic Augusta, and the Colonial Dames of America. Throughout life she enjoyed cooking, tennis, bridge, decorating, stories, and her many friends while also serving on the alter guild and in many other capacities at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Augusta, GA.

Few had as many “best friends” as Marie, and her adventurous spirit could often blaze from a twinkle to a full blown sparkle of mischief. Unrestrained by their belief of near-royal birth, she and her sister, Jeanette, were co-conspirators from an early age. They were best friends, and sometimes bitter enemies, but her dedication to her sister set a course and marked a pattern of commitment and permanence for Marie’s life. She loved to laugh and she loved to love. Her relationships were forever. Her loyalty to her family and to her friends was eternal. As a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, and a friend, her dedication to those she loved was never in doubt. It was her unique purpose and her deepest passion. She was loved and will forever be missed. We were all blessed to have known her.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 19, 2022 at The Church of the Good Shepherd with the Reverend Ted Clarkson officiating. A reception will follow the service in the church parish hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Good Shepherd Endowment Fund, 2230 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904.